Les Arts presents ‘Manon’ in a production by Vincent Huguet, with a stellar cast and musical direction by James Gaffigan

Les Arts és ÒperaC

• Lisette Oropesa and Charles Castronovo, two of today's biggest stars, make their debut in Valencia with one of the pinnacles of French romanticism
• Les Arts stages the monumental production of the Paris Opera inspired by the splendor and effervescence of the 'Roaring Twenties' in France

Valencia (26.09.24). The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía begins its opera season in its Main Hall with 'Manon' by Massenet, one of the great titles of French Romanticism, which will be performed in a production by Vincent Huguet with musical direction by James Gaffigan.

Both James Gaffigan and Vincent Huguet accompanied the artistic director of Les Arts, Jesús Iglesias Noriega, at the presentation of the work, which was also attended by its two protagonists, the soprano Lisette Oropesa (Manon) and the tenor Charles Castronovo (Caballero des Grieux).

Iglesias Noriega emphasized that 'Manon' is one of the major challenges facing Les Arts in its new season. Musically, it is a masterpiece of the French repertoire, intense and complex, yet sensual and enchanting, allowing audiences to enjoy the excellence of the Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana under its conductor, James Gaffigan.

From an artistic point of view, it contains two of the most outstanding roles in the entire repertoire - both scenic and vocal - with essential arias for opera lovers such as 'Adieu notre petite table' or 'Gavotte (Je marche sur tous les chemins)' in the case of Manon, or 'Ah! fuyez, douce image' for the Chevalier des Grieux.

Also on the stage, Les Arts presents Vincent Huguet's monumental production for the Opéra de Paris, which sets the tumultuous romance of Manon and Des Grieux against the backdrop of the splendor and effervescence of the Roaring Twenties, in a tribute to the legendary dancer and Folies Bergère star Josephine Baker. Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles coexist with cabaret, jazz and the Charleston, Delacroix's frescoes and the graffiti that fascinated Brassaï in a meticulous portrait of Parisian glamour in the 1920s.

Soprano Lisette Oropesa, a leading artist in major opera houses, will sing her first European performance of 'Manon' at Les Arts, following her triumphant debut in the role at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Critics and audiences alike have hailed the American singer as one of the great stars of the operatic world for her breathtaking interpretations, impeccable vocal technique, and expressive musicality, which captivated audiences during her first recital in the Main Hall in 2022.

Like the Chevalier des Grieux, fellow American Charles Castronovo makes his debut at the Valencian opera house. Internationally acclaimed as one of today's finest tenors, the New York-born performer is a regular guest at the most prestigious venues, including those in New York, Vienna, London, Berlin, Munich, and Salzburg.

The rising Catalan baritone Carles Pachon in the role of Lescaut, and the American bass James Cresswell, as Count Des Grieux, take on the main roles of a cast that also includes Jorge Rodríguez-Norton (Guillot de Morfontaine), the singers from the Centre de Perfeccionament Daniel Gallegos (Monsieur de Brétigny), Antonella Zanetti (Poussette), Laura Fleur (Javotte), Ester Ferraro (Rosette), Holly Brown (Servant) and the former member of the training program Max Hochmuth (Innkeeper).

'Manon' is a production by the Opéra national de Paris, with stage direction by Vincent Huguet, set design by Aurélie Maestre, costumes by Clémence Pernoud, lighting by Christophe Forey and choreography by Jean-François Kessler.

Les Arts will premiere Massenet's 'Manon' on October 3, with four further performances scheduled for the 6th, 9th, 12th, and 15th of that month. A preview performance will take place on Monday, September 30th, running until the 28th.